DENTAL BONDING

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 Cosmetic bonds use special dental resins applied to the surface of a tooth to hide some defects like deep stains or chips so your smile looks beautiful, healthy, and natural. As a leading dentist in New Orleans, Dr. Ambrose Martin III uses state-of-the-art dental bonding materials and application methods to help patients at Gentilly Family Dental, LLC feel confident about the way they look. To learn more about dental bonding and whether it is a good option for you, call the office or use our online system to schedule an office visit today. 

Dental bonds (also called cosmetic bonds) use a special tooth-colored material bonded or molded to your tooth surface to hide aesthetic issues like deeply discolored teeth, chipped teeth, or superficial pits. Like veneers, bonds also can be used to fill gaps between teeth, to correct the appearance of crooked teeth, and to change the contours of misshapen teeth.

In most cases, a bond can be applied during a single office visit. Application begins with the preparation of the tooth surface. Dr. Martin uses a special etching solution to “roughen up” the tooth surface so the bonding material adheres better. Then, he prepares the bonding material, a durable composite material that can be tinted to match your surrounding teeth for a beautiful and natural-looking result. Next, he applies the composite material to the tooth surface, layering it on and shaping it layer by layer for a natural result that enhances your smile while blending in with your other teeth.

Once the material is applied, Dr. Martin uses a special light to harden or “cure” the material; then he gently buffs it for a comfortable fit and flawless result. Bonding is painless and doesn’t require sedation or needles.

No, you can care for a cosmetic bond just like you care for your other teeth, with regular brushing and flossing and routine dental care.

Many patients prefer cosmetic bonding to dental veneers because bonding usually is completed in a single office visit and cosmetic bonding is less costly compared to a dental veneer. Plus, unlike a veneer, bonding doesn’t require removal of tooth material to achieve a perfect fit. Affordability and convenience make them a popular option for fast correction of cosmetic defects for many people. However, veneers are made of porcelain which is far more durable than bonding materials, and that means a veneer can last much longer than a cosmetic bond. Bonds also are more susceptible to staining, and many people feel veneers look more “natural.” You can discuss both options with Dr. Martin during your office visit.

No, the stain-resistant, impervious nature of cosmetic bonding material means it doesn’t respond to teeth whitening solutions. Many patients opt to have their teeth whitened first, so their new bond matches their teeth at their whitest and brightest.